Abstract

Electron beam cured acrylated polyurethanes have been successfully used as novel binders for positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. The cross-linked polymer after electron beam curing coheres active materials and carbon black together onto Al foil. Electrochemical tests demonstrate the stability of the polymer at a potential window of 2.0 V–4.6 V. The electrode is found to have similar voltage profiles and charge-transfer resistance compared to the conventional electrode using polyvinylidene fluoride as the binder. When the electrode is tested in full Li-ion cells, they exhibit excellent cycling performance, indicating promising use for this new type of binder in commercial Li-ion batteries in the future.